There are several reasons why we fast during Lent. One of them is that we often abuse food. We eat too much or we eat the wrong things. Fasting helps us to break away from our obsession with food, and it gives us perspective. Fasting also teaches us discipleship - for it teaches us how to be able to say "no" to certain things so that we might say "yes" to God. Fasting reminds us, too, who is really important in our lives. The hunger pains remind us of our commitment to God, and they also remind us of the poor who are hungry each day. In addition, fasting heals some of the wounds that we have brought into our lives though sin. Every time that we sin, we weaken ourselves and make it easier for us to sin again. By making the loving choice to fast, we are strengthening our choice to love. When one fasts with the proper disposition, it leads to a tremendous sense of lightness and joy, for it is an action of love.

Deacon Paul was asked to serve as a guide in the formation of Bob Chanda. Bob is in formation to be ordained as a deacon in our diocese. Bob will be "shadowing" Deacon Paul over the course of the next few weeks to gain a great perspective of a deacon's life of service. If you have a opportunity to meet Bob while he is here at IC, please extend to him a warm welcome!

Join us March 9, 10 & 11 from 7 to 9 pm in the Church for our Parish Lenten Mission, “Everyday Living as Disciples of Christ in Word and Deed. The Mission will be presented by guest speakers Terri Baldwin and Terri Preskar from the Diocesan Stewardship and Evangelization Offices. The Mission on March 11 will be followed by a reception in St. Joseph Hall.

March 9 - Angelic Presence

March 10 - Transfiguration

March 11 - Holiness

How are you living the holy life God intended for you in word and deed? The Sunday Lenten scriptures offer us a good time to reflect on ways to live as a disciple of Christ, to face the challenges and temptations of life, and to come from the barren desert; to be transformed into a joyful life filled in God’s presence and love. Pope Francis tells us “We are called to rise from prayer, open our hearts, free ourselves from self-absorption and become desirous of doing good and sharing our lives with others.” (Joy of the Gospel, 282)

The next American Red Cross Blood Drive is Sunday 3/15/15 from 8:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. in the school building gym. There always seems to be a shortage of blood, due to the tremendous demand. Please consider donating on March 15th if you are able!